Find Your Degree

What is Typical Coursework in an Undergraduate Information Security Degree Program?

An Information Security degree provides access to a vital and growing field of employment. Students who receive a degree in Information Security can expect to work in either the private or public sector, often able to have their choice of man careers. Indeed, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. information security jobs are expected to grow at a rate of 18 percent through the year 2014, which is much higher than average.

Typical Coursework for Information Security Degree

Students seeking degrees in Information Security are likely to take similar courses regardless of where they choose to study. Most courses are heavily related to computer and cyber sciences, each offering an in-depth look at a fundamental aspect of security. Examples of these courses may include:

Basic Information Security Courses

No degree can be achieved without a solid foundation. First-time students are always expected to take general education courses. While the exact nature of general education courses vary from school to school, most require classes in history, science, psychology, math, composition, and even fine or practical arts. A student pursuing a degree in Information Security can expect a heavier science, math, and computer science course load. They may also need more ethics and criminal justice classes to round out their degree. Those students who have completed an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in another field are likely to be able to transfer general education credits so they may begin studying in their degree field without retaking unrelated courses.

Length of Information Security Coursework

As with most degree programs, the length of time it takes to complete an Information Security or Cyber Security degree depends almost entirely on the student. A student that transfers credits from another program may complete the degree in as little as a year. A student that is starting from the ground up may need four or five years to finish. Most online associate’s programs in Information Security are completed in about two years. A bachelor’s degree typically takes about three total, including the two years to reach associate’s degree level.

Master’s Level Information Security Programs

Some students may wish to continue their education once they receive a bachelor’s degree in Information Security. While more education is never a bad idea, it may not be necessary unless and until it is required by a one’s employer. According to US News and World Report, the typical Information Security analyst has a bachelor’s degree rather than a master’s. Most analysts do have specialized certifications that show their expertise in certain areas. These may include CompTIA Security+, and Certified Ethical Hacker, Certified Information Systems Security Professional. Many of these certifications can be achieved either online or in person.

Those who are interested in pursuing a degree in Information Security do so knowing that a lucrative career can be in their future. As one of the top growing fields in the world, Information Security is highly sought by employers around the globe. An Information Security Degree is easily and somewhat quickly obtained by those who are motivated to be a part of this essential field.